Bannister Wildlife Management Area Information:
This 25,695 acre Wildlife Management Area is located in the Angelina National Forest on a peninsula extending into the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It is separated from the lake by private and national forest service lands. Because the WMA is a designated Eastern Turkey restoration site, some WMA sections are closed during turkey brooding season. Only hikers and bikers are permitted in these areas at this time. Several primitive camping areas are available. The WMA is operated under a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Public hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, turkey (Spring Eastern Turkey), waterfowl, woodcock, rails, gallinules, snipe, dove, squirrel, quail, rabbits, hares, predators, furbearers, and frogs is permitted. A trapping season is available for furbearers and predators only. Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting. Equestrian use is restricted during hunting season. During hunting season hikers must wear orange clothing and camping is restricted to designated campgrounds. During non-hunting season campers may camp anywhere there is parking. Fishing is permitted, but is not desirable. The WMA is open year round. (936) 569-8547. U.S. Forest Service Information: (409) 639-8620. The office is located at 8096 FM 2782, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. Bannister WMA MapBannister WMA Hunting Map

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Information:
The 114,500 surface acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir was formerly known as McGee Bend Dam and Reservoir. In 1963, it was renamed the Sam Rayburn Reservoir in honor of the late Speaker of the House. The lake was impounded on the Angelina River in 1965. It is the largest lake located within the borders of Texas. It features approximately 750 miles of shoreline, ranges between 10 and 80 feet in depth, and is bordered on the north and south shores by the Angelina National Forest. Known for its legendary bass fishing, and excellent catfish, hybrid stripe bass, and crappie fishing, it annually hosts more than 300 fishing tournaments. Volunteer positions are available. The lake is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Jasper, Texas. FM 255 crosses the dam. Lake Location MapCurrent Lake LevelTPWD Public Access Facilities Map

Angelina National Forest Information:
This forest is one of four national forests located in Texas. The forest is located in Jasper, San Augustine, Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties. The main office for these forests is located in Lufkin. The Angelina Forest district office is located in Zavalla. The forest borders the north and south shores of the 114,400 acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir on the Angelina River, and encompasses the towns of Broaddus and Zavalla The gravesite of John H. Graham, an early settler to the area, is located in a small cemetery overlooking Graham Creek. The old Aldridge Sawmill is located at the end of the Sawmill Hiking Trail near the Neches River, and south of the Boykin Springs Recreation Area. Located within the forest are Boulton Lake, Sexton Pond, and Boykin Springs. Recreation facilities are available at the Caney Creek, Sandy Creek, Harvey Creek and Townsend Recreation Areas, and at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer parks. Wildlife species include bear, deer, squirrel, fish, wild turkey, quail, waterfowl, and other birds. Lake Sam Rayburn provides habitat for the threatened bald eagle. The endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker is found throughout the pine forest. The woodpecker makes a home by pecking cavities in the pine trees. The resulting drainage of pitch protects it from predatory snakes. Facilities Map

Mosquito Information for Texas:
The months of April through October are the worst months for mosquitoes. . Mosquitoes love standing water, and love you when you eat bananas. Mosquitoes are also attracted to some perfumes, including perfumed shampoos. Rub yourself with Bounce Fabric Softener sheets, or with Vicks Vapor Rub or pure Mexican Vanilla. Some swear taking a daily vitamin B-1 pill works to repel mosquitoes. Planting Marigolds in your yard repels mosquitoes. On a picnic table try covering the bottom of a white plate with “lemon fresh” dish wash soap, or use citronella candles. Home Depot sometimes sells the candles in small metal buckets. The ThermaCell Mosquito Repellant is also quite effective in ridding small outdoor areas of mosquitos. Dynatrap Company makes a large standing electric mosquito machine that works like electric bug zappers. It is very successful at making large areas mosquito free. When purchasing mosquito repellent buy those with the ingredient N, N-diethyl-M-toluamide. Some that work include Off! Deep Woods, Off! Family Care Unscented with Aloe Vera, Cutter Unscented, Maggie’s Farm Natural, EcoSmart, All terrain Herbal Armor, Off Clip On, and Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Oil with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E (expensive). The fine net clothing available from Cabela’s and other sporting goods stores is highly effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Hunt Texas Online Connection:
More than 95% of Texas land is privately owned, making it hard for hunters to find affordable hunting opportunities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife has a huge public hunting program, and has developed a new service to help hunters find hunting places. This new service is provided free by the TPWD. It allows landowners to list available hunting leases or spots that have opened up, and allows hunters to find private hunting leases according to their preferences.

Bannister Wildlife Management Area Directions:
The WMA is located 25 miles east of Lufkin. From Lufkin take SH 103 to FM 1277, turn south on FM 1277 and drive three miles to Forest Service Road 300. An information station is located on the east side of the intersection.